Chai Pani

Lots of their dishes use “hing” which is a spice that can contain gluten. The staff was incredibly helpful in finding some good, safe options for me! They do have a GF menu.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Not all of their menu is GF, but enough of it is that there’s plenty to choose from. The butter chicken and the kale pakoras are my favorite options!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Chai Pani is worth the hype! They do not have a ton on the menu for celiacs. Definitely more available for those who are gluten intolerant. That said, the staff was SUPER knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. We sat at the bar for lunch and she went back into the kitchen to check with the chef about details so that she didn’t mislead me on the menu. Much of the menu had sauces/sides that have a spice blend called “hing” which contains flour making the food unsafe- so definitely ask about this if you go!

I ended up getting a bowl of Butter Chicken and a side of basmati rice and it was out of this world! Butter chicken isn’t advertised as being able to be sold as a “bowl” but she made the accommodation and charged me appropriately. There’s a reason this restaurant has so many James Beard nominations/awards!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I informed the staff that I had celiac and was assured that a few of the menu items would be completely safe. I double checked when they brought the food out as well by reminding them and asking if it was safe for a celiac. I was a little concerned with their lack of concern. I have eaten there successfully before, but this was it. No more. I was glutened. It seems to depend on who is working that day. NOT celiac safe.

Celiac friendly?

No

Very good food, and informed the staff, but menu items marked Gluten Free turned out to have the Indian spice blend hin, Which contains wheat flour. They do not have a dedicated fryer, and have no intention of getting one. Things you might not think or fried, such is the cheese in SAG paneer, have been cross contaminated. It is run by very nice people, and I would like to recommend it, but in truth there’s almost nothing safe to eat on the menu, and in less you quiz carefully those things which are marked Gluten Free are not safe for celiacs.

Celiac friendly?

No

SO good. Their menu says that they try really hard to make everything safe but they do share a fryer for some items. I took a handful of digestive enzymes to be safe.

I don’t understand where people get this idea that gluten evaporates at high fryer temps, but that’s what the staff member told me after trying to convince me it was okay to get the fried chickpea noodles. I declined anything fried but I got glutened somehow

Celiac friendly?

No

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Through the fryer is contaminated, they will clean the grill when a gluten free order comes through. I had the mixed veggie uttapam and it was SO GOOD

This celiac didn't get sick. :)

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They do mention the dishes are 99.9% gluten free. So they understand the risks of cross contamination. The waitress was nice enough to ask me if I had celiacs, and let me know the dishes that were probably not a good idea - even if it was labeled GF

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very awesome menu for the GF. Most items listed as sandwiches are fabulous in a bowl over rice or eaten alone. Thali can be GF and all pakoras are GF! Kale, chicken, okra fries, sweet potato, etc..all delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes